Hyundai Matrix (01-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
The Matrix is a compact people carrier similar in size to the Citroen Xsara Picasso. It does look a little strange from the outside but the tall profile means there's plenty of interior space, especially for rear passengers, along with a half-decent boot. As is the case with all Hyundai's, it is well equipped and good value, plus newer versions come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard. Unfortunately it's poor to drive, so despite a smooth ride, it's not an enjoyable car on anything other than motorways. The diesels are the better choice but it's best going for a later CRDi model rather than the earlier CRTD.
2.5 out of 5

Other Hyundai reviews

2.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£10,030 - £13,070

Used price range:

£574 - £7,982

View all used prices

Get a Hyundai Matrix (01-10) information pack

Next steps

Hyundai Matrix cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 44 models like this for sale, starting at £1,295.

Find used Hyundai Matrixs for sale

Spacious cabin, good rear passenger room, comfortable ride

Ungainly styling, petrols are weak, dull interior, vague steering

The Matrix is a compact people carrier similar in size to the Citroen Xsara Picasso. It does look a little strange from the outside but the tall profile means there's plenty of interior space, especially for rear passengers, along with a half-decent boot. As is the case with all Hyundai's, it is well equipped and good value, plus newer versions come with a five-year unlimited mileage warranty as standard. Unfortunately it's poor to drive, so despite a smooth ride, it's not an enjoyable car on anything other than motorways. The diesels are the better choice but it's best going for a later CRDi model rather than the earlier CRTD.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    2 out of 5

    "The Matrix is available with two petrol engines and a diesel. The 1.6-litre petrol with 102bhp feels..."

  • Handling

    2.5 out of 5

    "Few people carriers are great to drive, but the Matrix is very dull from behind the wheel. The vague..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3 out of 5

    "On smooth and straight roads the Matrix is comfortable but it rarely feels refined and quiet. All..."

  • Practicality

    2.5 out of 5

    "Unfortunately the Matrix isn't clever or versatile enough inside compared to newer people carriers..."

  • Equipment

    3 out of 5

    "The entry-level GSI comes with air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, an RDS CD stereo,..."

  • Behind the wheel

    2 out of 5

    "The interior of the Matrix is far from inspiring with dull grey plastics dominating and a low..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Hyundai servicing is reasonable priced while insurance is group 7 for most models (the 1.8-litre..."

  • Green credentials

    2.5 out of 5

    "The Matrix isn't especially eco-friendly with an average of 171g/km CO2 across the line-up. The..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3 out of 5

    "There's no Euro NCAP crash test rating for the Matrix but all models have dual front and sidebags,..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "Hyundai mechanicals are durable and the five-year warranty takes care of any problems. There may be..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2 out of 5

    "The Matrix hasn't aged particularly well and there are plenty of equally affordable people carriers..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "It isn't the most well known people carrier on the market and compared to alternatives like the..."

  • Selling

    2 out of 5

    "Hyundai's compact people carrier is a bit of an unknown on the used market, but there's likely to be..."

Gallery

  • Interior Hyundai Matrix (01-10)
  • Exterior Hyundai Matrix (01-10)
  • Exterior Hyundai Matrix (01-10)
  • Exterior Hyundai Matrix (01-10)

View full gallery

Owners' reviews